Central location: consider multiple exits per fire code. Atriums usually transition space. How can this be flexed for other uses? Seating, garage door separator to divide space and allow adjustments. Lovely idea to

Hub notion could be extended: hub for community at large? Examples: YMCA, senior center. Shared community extends purposes of space beyond teaching/learning.

Bookshelves: state specs determine allotment of square footage for shelves/storage. Shelves shouldn't be taller than kids. Sightlines for adults. Shelves could be used to divide grand space into activity zones. If in center, use to create paths, focus collaboration, reduce to kid scale.

Laptops, rolling white boards for brainstorming. Use whiteboards to trick eye into seeing a wall.

Conference room: If in center, it must have glass walls, or it will break up the grand atrium space. Consider developing it as a professional development/learning space for use by teacher leaders, community.

Lab:What do we mean by computer lab? Unpack and move beyond *iconic* idea of lab. Is it a repository of devices (laptops, iPads) or a place for skill development?

Pluses: soft seating, adjustable furniture,

Example: Cristo Rey in Mpls has removable seating to flip between formal and informal. Designed by Fielding/Nair with winding marketplace. Ref video of Fielding interview.

Challenge yourself to rethink assumption about any aspect. Everything can be redesigned.

Supporting the 21st Century Learning Design

Our vision of the ideal media center/computer lab was built with the 21st Century Learning Design in mind. We feel that the Partnership for the 21st Century Skills most clearly exemplifies our thoughts when we outlined our
framework for the media center and computer lab. As our design began to take shape in the formatting process, it turned itself from a computer lab and media center into a professional development center, conferencing room, and community theater. We believe this follows the 21st Century pillar of Career and Life Skills as well as Media, Information, and Technology. These pillars are surrounded by the foundation of Curriculum, Learning Environments, and Professional Development. Our media center and computer lab encompass all three when you look at the design.
As stated on the P21 website, "Those who think critically and communicate effectively must build on a base of core academic subject knowledge. Within the context of core knowledge instruction, students must also learn the essential skills for success in today's world, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration." (www.p21.org) A close look at our design will demonstrate that the books and curriculum are found at the center of the design and provide for our foundation. On the outside of our foundation, tools to build technology, communication, and life skills are found to support this base. We believe our 21st Century media/technology learning center would make an exceptional learning environment for all learners.